Dubrovnik, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, is renowned for its historic Old Town surrounded by ancient stone walls. With its Mediterranean climate—featuring dry summers and temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C—managing heat is essential to preserving its architectural heritage and enhancing visitor comfort.
A Changing Climate: New Challenges for Dubrovnik
Rising temperatures and frequent heat waves are making summers increasingly difficult. In Dubrovnik, tourism is spread throughout the day, exposing visitors to the hottest hours and impacting their overall experience.
The rising sea level is another key concern: Dubrovnik’s Old Town, built directly on the coast, may undergo significant changes in the coming years, making adaptation strategies essential.
Learning from the Past: Climate-Responsive Architecture
The city was historically designed to adapt to Mediterranean climate conditions. Narrow streets, stone buildings, and small windows helped maintain cooler indoor temperatures, while porticos with terraces provided shade and natural ventilation.
Water management was also crucial for urban sustainability. Freshwater was sourced from 12 km away and distributed through a network of public fountains, ensuring a steady supply even in the hottest months. However, the 1667 earthquake led to the loss of many architectural solutions designed for thermal comfort.
Cool Noons: Rethinking Dubrovnik Between Innovation and Tradition
Through the Cool Noons project, Dubrovnik is exploring new strategies to enhance urban livability, integrating innovative solutions with its historical heritage.
By analyzing the city’s structure and engaging local communities, Cool Noons is developing cooler urban routes and adaptation strategies to improve thermal comfort while preserving Dubrovnik’s unique identity.
Follow Cool Noons to discover how Dubrovnik and other pilot cities are tackling climate change and rethinking urban spaces for a more sustainable future!
